Reading Room Policies

Reading Room Guidelines

We ask that you observe the following reading room policies in order to ensure the integrity and security of our collections.

Registration with photo identification is required.

Please sign-in at the daily register.

Only pencils and laptop computers (without cases) are permitted in reading rooms; you may bring a notebook, but please present it for inspection when leaving the reading room.

Please handle materials carefully and keep all archival materials in their original order; foam supports are available for bound materials.

Return materials to designated area.

Please silence your cell phone.

Use of Materials

Access may be limited under the following conditions: when papers are being processed; a result of donor-imposed restrictions; or when their physical condition warrants restricted use. In cases of collections in process access staff will work with you to facilitate access wherever possible.

Please use only one box and one folder at any time. In the case of book requests, book cradles and book weights will be provided for you. In the case of manuscripts, please leave all materials flat on the table. Gloves are required when handling photographs, film, slides, or metal objects.

Please maintain the existing order and arrangement of material. If you suspect that an item seems to be out of order, please inform a staff member.

On regular workdays, materials are not retrieved after 4:30 p.m. and all materials should be returned by 4:45 p.m. (On Mondays when classes are in session, materials are not retrieved after 7:30 p.m.; all materials should be returned by 7:45 p.m.)

Photoduplication

Digital cameras may be used in the reading room with most materials (tripods, flash, or additional lighting is not permitted). Please turn off the flash element and turn off any sound elements.

Photocopying is provided as a service by the Rare Book & Manuscript Library; personal copiers and scanners are not permitted.

The Columbia Center for Oral History must authorize requests to photocopy material from the Oral History Collection of Columbia University.